Dance With The Wind [Hatching Feast]

[Zen]

Month 3, Day 25, Turn 2762, Evening
The night of the Hatching

A’zael, Azora

The hatching had certainly been… memorable. Azora couldn’t stop talking about the gold-green hatchling anymore than anyone else could, it seemed. A’zael still didn’t know how the girl had known the odd dragon’s name before he or Srunae did. Fath wouldn’t have told her before he told him, surely? Fath had been just as enamored of the creature as he had been with every gold that had hatched, which had again put a strain between him and Danovelith, who was upset that she had momentarily been replaced as the object of Fath’s obsession. A’zael knew his dragon would be back to doting on the gold soon enough, but he could at least be more subtle about his excitement over other lady dragons. But subtle was not a word that anyone would ever use to describe Fath.

Srunae had helped Azora get ready for the feast, and watching them together made him feel all sorts of things, especially when the thought crossed his mind that Srunae would make a really great mother. Azora wore a pretty little pale green dress with flowers on the top that Srunae had had made for her in preparation for the hatching feast. Azora had insisted that the color should match Pallath because she was the best green ever, though relented that if a color close enough could not be found that one close to Rusath would do instead. The girl twirled around, giggling as the skirt of her dress fluttered around her.

A’zael hm’d at the sight, “I think you should have gone with Rusath’s color. You’re going to ruin that dress tonight, I can see it already. The pale color will show anything and everything you get into.”

Azora looked at him innocently, “I dunno what I could get into, daddy.”

He laughed, “Sure you don’t.”

She twirled again, “Do you think the green babies will be there? And Steleneth? I want to play with them!”

“Maybe, but you better ask their riders before you do anything with them. Hatchlings can be sensitive when the bond is new,” he warned her.

When Srunae was ready, the three of them headed for the dining cavern with Srunae on his arm and Azora hopping along and leading the way, doing her best not to just run ahead and leave them behind.

Once they’d arrived, though, Azora didn’t wait any longer, running off into the forming crowd and leaving A’zael wondering if he should try to follow her or not. Srunae’s question about just how much trouble she could really get into was met with a laugh, “If she’s anything like me, plenty.” But he let her go, because he was of a mind that weyrbrats needed to get into a little trouble now and then anyway.

Degranik found them soon enough, “A’zael! Srunae. Always a pleasure.” He took her hand and kissed it with a wink that had her shaking her head.

“Don’t you have a wife somewhere?” A’zael asked innocently enough, glancing around.

Degranik laughed, “Back home in Jask, yes. She regrets she couldn’t make it to the hatching or the feast, but….” He grinned broadly then, “She’s with child.”

“Congratulations,” A’zael grinned back, “Not such a prude in marriage after all?”

Degranik winced slightly, then shook his head, “A’zael.”

He only laughed again, “Ah, marriage has taken all the fun out of you. You were the one that sent me to pursue her.”

“Sent you to what now?” Srunae’s brow rose slightly, “I don’t think I’ve heard this story.”

“Oh, ah, well… you know… I was… we both were… younger, and…,” A’zael glanced at Degranik as if he would be of any help but the Lord of Jask only grinned, holding his tongue. A’zael laughed lightly, “The food sure smells great, doesn’t it?”

“Flawless subject change, A’zael,” Degranik laughed, as did Srunae, and the three of them moved to find seats at the high table to continue chatting over food and drinks.

Ki’raz :: Bronze Atlath

After stuffing his dragon full of meat, it had been incredibly difficult to get him to move. It was fortunate that the hatchlings were carried down from the cavern by larger dragons, or the bronze likely would have simply slept there rather than make the trek down to the weyrling barracks. Ki’raz had felt his full exhaustion and it seemed hatching was terribly hard work as his dragon had said, but it still seemed like most of his siblings had more energy than he did. He had even questioned Atlath to make sure he wasn’t ill, but the bronze had assured him he was only tired and needed a good long sleep now that he’d been fed.

And he still hadn’t roused by the time the hatching feast was set to start. Ki’raz sat on his cot, staring at the sleeping dragon intently, trying to decide if he should try to rouse him or not. After all, there would only be a short period of time that Atlath would be able to attend such an event with him. Now that he finally had his bronze, he’d like the chance to show him off. But it was important for him to get proper sleep as well.

One eye opened slowly, whirling blue-green contentment at him, Your thoughts are quite loud.

“Oh,” he was surprised Atlath had woken on his own, Sorry… I was just thinking… it would be nice to go to the feast with you at my side. It’s likely the only chance we’ll get to go to such an event together. You’ll be too big all too soon.

The eye closed again, dismissive, I have already eaten, what use do I have for a feast?

Well… don’t you want everyone to see you? Ki’raz seemed confused by his dragon’s lack of interest.

Why would I care about that? I want to sleep, Atlath told him plainly.

I’d like for everyone to see you. You should be admired, Ki’raz insisted. His parents wouldn’t be there, none of his family would be, to share in his joy or his trepidation, he would at least like to have his dragon there.

If you are concerned about leaving me, don’t be. I’ll be sleeping. If you wish to go, then go, the bronze told him, shifting slightly into a more comfortable position in his wallow.

That’s not it, I just… I’d like you with me…. But you don’t want to come, it seems, he tried not to sound too disappointed. He knew the hatchling needed sleep, he understood that well enough, he had just hoped….

Atlath sighed, cracking one eye open at him again, Can I sleep while I’m there?

Ki’raz leaned forward, elbows on his knees, as he considered that, Well… under normal circumstances I’d stay it wouldn’t be terribly appropriate, but… I don’t think anyone would hold it against you, since you just hatched and all. Not sure how much luck you’d have though. It’s sure to be loud. You don’t have to force yourself to go if you need sleep.

Hm, Atlath raised his head and yawned, But you very much want me to go. So… if I can sleep there, I suppose I can go with you. If that will make you happy.

Ki’raz smiled at his dragon, That’s considerate of you.

Atlath lowered his head to rest on his paws, Well don’t give me too much credit. I would not go if I could not sleep.

A short laugh escaped him then as he stood from his cot, smoothing his clothing a bit, Well I’m ready to go if you are. He’d already changed into his finery and had only delayed in heading to the feast because of his uncertainty over waking Atlath. We’ll find you a nice corner to rest in. I suppose it’s a good compromise. I just hope the noise won’t disturb you too much. With another sigh, Atlath pushed to his feet, trudging along behind Ki’raz as he led the way to the dining cavern.

Y'va :: Green Daphnerith

Y’va sighed as she slipped into her usual blue dress, wishing she’d brought along at least one more gather dress when she’d stuffed some random clothing into a sack and run off to Mavros. Looking at her little green dozing on her cot, she wondered if she might be able to get a dress made that would match her beautiful wing pattern. It would be so stunning. But she was sure it would cost way more than she could afford right now, which was honestly just about anything. Unless she could appeal to her uncle… maybe he wouldn’t mind gifting her enough marks to have something new made, maybe as an impression gift? She’d have to ask him if she saw him at the feast. He’d come to congratulate her after the hatching had ended, well, her and T’rey, but T’rey had already left with L’rey by the time he’d arrived. She wondered for a moment if T’rey would go to the feast or if he was still feeling sick. She supposed she would find out soon enough.

“This dress is really getting old,” she stated to no one in particular, looking down at herself. It was pretty but she didn’t want to wear it to every event.

Daphnerith lifted her head, blinking sleepily at her and insisting, It should be green, not blue.

Y’va giggled at the unexpected comment, spinning around to face her dragon, “I thought you were asleep.”

I was… but you are getting ready to leave. I am coming with you. The green’s tone didn’t leave much room for argument, not that Y’va would have argued.

Instead she grinned, “Great, I was hoping you would. It’ll be much more fun if you come along.” Then she made a face, “Especially since we can’t drink. So stupid.” And here she had hoped she might entice her friends into another drinking game. The last had ended so well, after all. She giggled to herself, feeling a bit flushed at the memory of Kekoa catching her. Then groaned softly because there wouldn’t be any of that either. She plopped onto the bed beside Daphnerith with a displeased noise, “We can’t do anything fun tonight.”

Daphnerith tilted her head up at her rider, Who says? We can do whatever we want.

Y’va sighed and leaned back on her hands, “No… D’rew said it could make you panic and….” She gazed down at the green, thinking about losing her between, and quickly gathered her up into her arms to hold her close as the fear of it enveloped her. She had never imagined being so afraid to lose her dragon, since before Daphnerith had chosen her she hadn’t even been sure she wanted one. But now that she had her… it was terrifying to think about being without her.

I will never leave you, my Y’va! Daphnerith insisted.

Y’va smiled softly, “Yeah… I know… oh, watch your claws, I don’t have another dress as fine as this.” She set the green carefully back onto the bed before a careless claw tore the fabric.

Well it wouldn’t be that terrible. A green dress would be better. Daphnerith fluttered her wings and hopped down to the ground, holding her wings just so to show off their pattern.

Y’va giggled, “Oh, I know it would, but I don’t have the marks for one right now. I’m going to try and change that tonight though. I’m sure my uncle wouldn’t mind paying for it.” She stood again, glancing around at other girls getting ready for the feast and headed over to Ceela and Steleneth, “Almost ready? I plan to dance so much tonight… since there’s so much fun we can’t have. Should we teach Daffy and Steleneth to dance?” She giggled at the idea, but Daphnerith seemed mildly interested, What is dancing? How do you do it? I want to try!

tovaana

[tovaana]

T’rey :: Brown Euploeth

T’rey had gotten up to get some ointment oil and turned back to the bed.

“It’s all my fault.” He said, his heart feeling like a weight in his chest as he looked at the dark edge of his brown’s wings that were subtly raw, but he could feel the slight burning sensation through their bond. There was a small bandaged spot that had caught on a rock on their walk, and that had been when T’rey realized that the pain was his dragon’s and not his own. While he had insisted awkwardly carrying Euploeth the rest of the way to the weyrling barracks, it was too late for the edges of his dragon’s raw wings.

You did not hurt my wings, I do not see how it is your fault. T’rey smiled softly down at his brown, but it faded with the concern. "I made us leave early – you wouldn’t have had to walked at all if I had been able to stick it out till the end… or if I had thought to get us a ride back… or…” He sighed, sitting himself down on his bed and started putting another layer of ointment on the wings. After he was down, he laid down, curling toward his brown that was on his bed. He let a finger trail along the thin membrane of his dragon’s large wings, trying to push the emotion away from his eyes as guilt plagued him. His dragon was considering him and what he’d said. I could have asked for a ride. The brown considered the other parts of his argument. And, they are my wings, my responsibility. The dragon seemed to give his wings a baleful look, then back to his rider. T’rey simply had a smile edge onto his face and fade, resting his head on his pillow while looking at his brown.

“You’re my responsibility now, too.” He said, eyes closing. His headache was mostly gone, but the day had made him tired, or was that his brown’s legs?

Where are the others going, T’rey? The brown was paying more attention of their surroundings, and T’rey listened with his ability, realizing why he was feeling even better than before. ‘They’re headed to the hatching feast.’ Ah, to celebrate me. T’rey snorted, because the confident tone wasn’t cocky, just matter-of-fact. ‘And your siblings.’ Of course. So, shall we go then? ‘Oh… uhm…’ His eyes opened and looked at his brown. ‘You… want to go?’ Well, they are celebrating me, and my siblings… it seems I should be there.

T’rey didn’t move to get up. ‘You’re tired. And hurt… it’s not that important.’ Do not make excuses on my account. Again, Euploeth’s tone didn’t hold any malice, only matter-of-factness. ‘Well, I’m tired…’ He swallowed. ‘And… large gatherings like that…’ His eyes squeezed closed, his brown getting the memories and reminder of what had happened at the hatching. I can protect you from the loud...colors. T’rey smiled, but none of his smiles seemed to stick. ‘You’re tired, hurt… I think that part of us needs a rest.’ The dragon huffed, getting up and hopping off the bed, surprising T’rey. I can do it.

He felt a flash of anger and sat up. “I don’t want to go.” He lied, and his dragon caught it, despite their bond being new. The dragon just sat there calmly, waiting for his rider to calm down. I can do it, we will be okay.

T’rey threw his hands up in defeat. “Fine. But I need to bathe first.” He’d delay it then. “Please get rest while I get ready.” He’d be a little late, which he doubted would help, but he did want to see his father. He wanted to see his friends. And his dragon had seen through it all… T’rey smiled as he went off to bathe. His dragon's confidence was irritating, but moving at the same time, because Euploeth could see him.

Ceela :: [smear:#e4a603]Goldeen Steleneth[/smear:#9dcf8b:0]

[smear:#e4a603]Soooo, you done now?[/smear:#9dcf8b:0]

Ceela smiled as she got ready, shaking her head. “For the hundredth time, no – not yet.” [smear:#e4a603]I have not asked a hundred times! Maybe twenty. Wait...here. Now? Now? Now? Now? Now? Now? Now? Now? Now? Now? Now? Now? Now? Now? Now? Wait, I lost track, how many was that? Twenty more? So, like eighty, er, sixty more?[/smear:#9dcf8b:0] “Dragons do math? Goodness. Your talents are limitless.” She giggled, though the fifteenth ‘now’ had started to grate in her mind, despite her love for the little creature. She was glad that the dragon had lost track, but wasn’t going to give her any ideas.

“If you rest while you wait, you might have more energy for the whole feast.” [smear:#e4a603]I have been resting. Resting is boring.[/smear:#9dcf8b:0] The dragon sighed. [smear:#e4a603]I’m bored, ooo, what’s in here?[/smear:#9dcf8b:0] Ceela glanced behind her and watched as Steleneth nosed at the chest where all her belongings were. Steleneth had seen Ceela grab things from it, and Ceela was aware that she’d been watched… “Stel… the more you distract me… the bigger mess you make… the longer it will be before we get to the party.” Ceela turned away and pinned a few more bits of her hair up, leaving most of it to tumble around her shoulders. She could feel her dragon stare daggers at her back – or maybe it was that she was just considering the consequences that had been presented to her. The new rider decided to just focus on getting ready quickly as possible.

The dress she wore was the same she’d worn to the last hatching feast, and while a new one would have been better – she didn’t have a new one or even a better one. It was a strapless thing, white that poofed out and faded into a pale blue toward the bottom. Besides, she’d want something to match her dragon for future dances, and there was no way to prepare for ones own hatching feast. Even if she had guessed green and gotten herself something green… she twirled around to eye her goldeen, who had seemed to have disappeared.

“Oh, Stel…” She had blatantly ignored the sounds behind her, as in the past – ignorance had led her to bliss, but it seemed to biting back instead. She sighed, letting the irritation bubble to amusement. She walked over to her chest and opened it, her dragon practically filling the whole thing as she nosed around her belongings. At least there hadn’t been any rhyme or reason to her organization before. “Come on, let’s go!” [smear:#e4a603]Yessss! Let’s go![/smear:#9dcf8b:0] The duo dragon scrambled out of the chest and Ceela wrinkled her nose at the inside, not wanting to think too much about what her claws had snagged on. Later… yeah, she’d worry about that later. She let the lid fall and looked up as Y’va came over with her green following.

Ceela grinned and opened her mouth to respond, but Steleneth jumped into their minds and interrupted. [smear:#e4a603]Yes, she is finally ready. Getting ready is soooo boring. But dancing sounds fun! And what are these things we can’t have. [/smear:#9dcf8b:0]Ceela winced and gave Y’va a subtle shake of the head. [smear:#e4a603]Who says we can’t have these things. We can have whatever fun we want. Right, Daphnerith?[/smear:#9dcf8b:0]

Ceela rolled her eyes a little and wiggled, “Let’s go find Sio, I bet she’ll want to help teach them to dance. Oh, and we can get K’oa’s silly blue to dance, I bet he’d like that, he already has some cute moves.” She giggled as she mimicked a pose, before grabbing Y’va’s arm (not that she needed encouraging) and tugged her gently to start their trek to the party.

Zen w/Y'va kevna w/sio mention and could probably say they find Sio

[kevna]

Siorreya – Green Amagetith

She looked down at her green dress in the mirror and snickered to herself. “I could buy a hundred dresses.” She looked over at Amagetith who was moping in the corner.

I don’t understand why I can’t come. Her dragon whined for the eightieth time. Siorreya rolled her eyes and looked over her bare shoulder. “I already told you, silly. You are too big.”

Then bring the part here. Who needs a feast?

“I want to dance.” Siorreya twirled in her gown, watching in the mirror as the skirt kick up and show off her legs. She and Ama had gone to Southern for some fun in the sun a couple of days before, and her legs and shoulders were nice and tan from their efforts. Her hair looked blonder too. It made the green dress even more becoming, in her own opinion.

So do I. But we can’t all get what we want. So why don’t you just bring Steleneth and Daphnerith here, and even Percotath. Music man can play music and dance with you. Siorreya laughed, trying to imagine Kekoa playing his gitar and twirling her at the same time, and Amagetith huffed. It could be done. Probably.

Siorreya just shook her head. Sometimes it was better just to ignore the obstinate green. “Maybe even two hundred dresses.” She attempted again, trying to distract her distractible dragon.

What would you do with two hundred dresses? Might as well buy lots of colors so we can color people’s oils, and dragons can end up being the wrong color. That would be more fun. Siorreya tilted her head, considering, and then ended up tsking. “That would be a lot of dye.”

We could buy herdbeasts with those marks, and set them loose in the dining caverns! Her dragon perked up at that. We could set them loose on the feast, and then you would have to move it. Move it to the sands, make lots of bonefires, and it would be so much fun. We could go to the cave-

Her drgaon kept rambling, and Siorreya’s mind wandered. She’d been to her cave a few times, the one she had almost made it to when she had raced with Podrell, and every time she had gone, he had come to mind. No, she didn’t want to go there tonight. Sharding man. Amagetith was still rambling, and Siorreya moved to go. “I think that’s a great idea, but how about this cave instead?" She imagined the one she was thinking of, it was a tad bigger, and a littler closer. “Though the herdbeast thing would be hard to pull last minute, and since D’nel hasn’t given me my marks yet… But why don’t you go gather wood, and we’ll see about an after party? Maybe you can get Fath to help.”

Oooooh. Her dragon did a version of wiggling, and Siorreya giggled. That sounds like so much fun. We can see who can gather more wood. An after party sounds so much better than the feast. Why don’t you just skip the feast?

“Why don’t you take the win I’m willing to give you?” Siorreya asked, exasperated, and then ran out the door, skipping along toward the dining caverns, her fingers twisting into her skirts to add a little swish to her jaunt. Her hair was loose, though curled in loose waves from sleeping in a braid with wet hair, and it tickled her bare shoulders. She twirled through the doors, and almost collided with D’rew, who she blew a kiss to, and then sashayed around him.

She came up short when she came within a few arm length of the redhead that had clung to Podrell’s arm. She blinked and tilted her head, considering the youthful, pretty face. She was absolutely immaculate, wearing the colors of Mavros in a gown of exquisite material. It covered her shoulders and fell to the ground in a sweeping, graceful arc. It was both beautiful, and… well, a little boring. How could he want something so… that?

The redhead had noticed her, and was turning as if she would speak to her, and Sio quickly smiled and waved, and then turned and moved to get distance between them. She didn’t want to bother with the little lady. She saw Yva and Ceela walk in with their little beauties and bounded over to them, giving off a little shriek with her arms out to hug them both.

“Wowowowow, you girlies did not disappoint.” She stepped back to get a better look at the two dragons. “They are beautiful. Amagetith will make our lives miserable if we don’t have an afterparty out on the sands where she can join in on some fun.”

Zen tovaana

[Taxx]

Lo'sa :: Brown Perialith

After his first bath and oiling, Perialith had barely made it to their new quarters in the Weyrling Barracks before falling into a deep sleep. Lo'sa had slept too, for a bit, after moving her things, settling on her bed and watching Perialith breathe, both marveling and still wishing... wishing she'd managed a bronze. She knew there was no going back, didn't bother imagining a life where she had Impressed bronze, but still couldn't quite help wishing. Well. Perialith was no bronze, but he was just as good by Mavrosi standards. And he had the drive, that much was plain. They'd make the best of it, go as far as they possibly could, and never look back.

She'd woken as the sun was going down, turning her thoughts to the upcoming Feast. She dug out a shirt and pants that were dressy enough; she'd stopped wearing dresses Turns ago and wasn't going to start now. She changed quickly, and had just finished tugging on shoes when she felt Perialith's eyes on her; the brown was awake, gazing at her quietly. "Are you coming with me, or staying here?" she asked him, straightening and patting down a strand of hair that had swung into her eyes as she'd bent over.

I'm coming. Of course. Pushing himself upright, a huge yawn parting his jaws as he did so, wings stretching and quivering before he dipped into a bow and stretched out his front legs first, and then his hind. Thus wakened, he padded over and pressed his cheek to his rider's leg. Are we going now?

Yes. Come on. Lo'sa led the way, Perialith close behind. They were entering the Dining Hall a few minutes later, plus one: Cion had joined them on the way. They were far from the first to arrive, however, and Lo'sa paused just inside, taking in the bright room and the crowd, uncertain what exactly to do now; she wasn't sure what happened at these events, aside from general celebration of the new weyrlings. Glancing back at Cion, Lo'sa gave a shrug, a gesture of inexperience, wondering if he had any more clue, willing to follow his lead on this.
tovaana Alyx

Vitra :: Blue Tucseth

In her blue-gradient dress, with Spazz lying across her shoulders, Vitra entered the room and cast a glance around for No'va, Joia, or the new greenrider Vanisha, No'va's sister she had yet to meet but very much intended to before the night was gone. She didn't see any of them, at the moment... they'd show up sometime. Until then.

She made a round, greeting anyone she knew and stopping here and there to join a conversation. Her sister and brother were both there, others of her class- not K'zar, not that she was surprised there. He'd be with Lepsuth, probably, away from the noise and crowd. But there was L'rey, just entering, and she waved to him too, though he didn't seem to see as his gaze wandered.

Grabbing a glass of juice and a bite to eat, Vitra continued to circle the room.
Alyx Zen

[kevna]

K’oa – Blue Percotath

It really was his own fault. Maybe if he hadn’t teased the poor blue, he wouldn’t have had to wash him twice before then oiling him twice. Shards, everyone had left before he had finished his second coating of oil.

It didn't take that long. Plus I'm extra shiny now, and you never could have gotten out the blood without that second wash.

"I did get it out. There was no need for the second wash." He offered mildly, putting on the vest he had picked out.

I like the blue shirt and grey slacks more. His dragon offered, obviously distracted.

K’oa looked at his bonded through the mirror, raising an eyebrow, before double checking his outfit. He was wearing his harper blue vest, a white shirt under it, and black pants.

“I like this outfit. It feels… lucky. Plus, I look stunning.”

You’ve obviously outworn it. People need to see you in something newer. Fresher. I am fresh and new. K’oa frowned and looked at himself again, reassessing. He shook his head and adjusted his cuffs. “I look best in this one. It shows off my shoulders and arms. Plus these pants make my thighs and butt look good.”

Yes, but the other outfit looks best with your skin, and you can see your abs. I’m telling you; you look better in the other.

“Well, agree to disagree.” He brushed off some fluff and turned around, smiling cheerily and moving to the door. His bonded could think whatever he wanted. It didn’t bother him.

Wait! But you have to change still!

“No, I don’t. We are late as it is.” K’oa continued to the door, stopping there. “Are you coming?”

Not if you look like that. We have to look immaculate!

“We do look immaculate. Can you really say that I don’t look good?”

But you could look marvelous.

The bluerider chuckled, shaking his head.

I won’t go if you don’t change. Percotath said slightly panicky, laying down with a flair of dramatics that even K’oa felt a little envious of, and he laughed for real, putting his hands on his hip. “So, you are willing to miss out on all the fun?” He backed out, wiggling his eyebrows, even as he felt his bonded’s growing anxiety at the prospect of missing out all the fun.

Oh fine, fine, fine! But I’m not going to be happy about it. His blue head was lowered, as he sulked toward the door. But K’oa let it be, and they moved toward the dining cavern. Percotath, normally chatty, was silent, and his rider could feel his discontent slowly transforming to excitement at the prospect of seeing his siblings and meeting new people. They entered, and the navy striped blue struck a pose, showing off his wings as he balanced strangely on his hind legs.

Well, hello everyone. What a beautiful day, especially because I am here now. Let’s have some fun.

K’oa offered his own pose, half bowing with an elegant arm gesture to point to Percotath, saying loudly, "Percotath the devastating!" and then looking around for Muze, itching to show off his bonded to the greenrider, and get his hands back on his gitar. Yva and Ceela would be his next target.

tovaana


Vanisha – Green Sabellath

Well that was rude. That was rude, wasn’t it? You wanted to talk to her, I can feel it. Does she not like you? She looked at you for a long time before you noticed her, which is rude too? Maybe she is shy? Or she is worried to interrupt your mother. Maybe she is afraid of you.

I don’t know, Sabellath. I don’t know her at all. I don’t think she intended to be rude. Her knots are those of a greenrider though. It would have been nice to speak with her, get a better understanding of what a greenrider is.

“What is it, dear?” Her mother asked, noting the way Vanisha had been watching the departure of the blonde woman. Vanisha looked at her mother in surprise, realizing how rude she was being, distracted as she was, and excluding her from the conversation.

We were just discussing whether that greenrider likes mine. Do you think waving and smiling and then running away is rude?

Vanisha had opened her mouth, to answer, but Sabellath's truth beat her to it. Relwisha’s eyebrows rose at the question, and her gaze studied the little green winged creature. “Perhaps. It depends. It could be the polite way to excuse yourself if you are in a hurry. It is better then ignoring a person. The politest thing would be to exchange pleasantries, hurry or not, and then excuse yourself.” Vanisha could hear the tone of instruction in her mother’s voice and it threw her back to her childhood, hands in lap as she listened to her mother’s teachings on table manners.

So then, it it’s not considered wholly rude, it’s considered partially so, in your opinion. How interesting. Mine thought her intention wasn’t to be rude, but I assumed it was rude. I do have a lot to learn. Though I believe the subject could still be up for debate. 

Vanisha smiled, feeling the earnestness of her bonded. “Learning is the greatest endeavor for anyone.” She said, just as her mother started to say the same thing. Relwisha gave a soft laugh, reaching out a hand and running her finger’s over Vanisha’s cheeks. “You do have a gift to listening, and learning. You’re father was right, you will do well here.” Vanisha felt tears form in her eyes, but she swallowed them back.

“Are you-are you happy with me?” Vanisha asked fervently. “I know this wasn’t what you wanted originally for me.”

It wasn’t? Well, why not? You couldn’t have had me, and that would not have been right. Sabellath sounded concerned, and Vanisha bent down and stroked her green’s face, sending love and comfort as best she could.

“It wasn’t, but it is now. I am proud of you Vanisha. All I want is for my children to be happy and safe. And I can see this makes you very happy. Happier then I’ve seen you in turns.” Her mother’s soft hand rested on her shoulder, giving a gentle squeeze. It was a relief, hearing it, knowing that following her dream, and having Sabellath (the best thing that had ever happened to her), would leave her mother proud.

I will keep her very happy and safe. Sabellath promised solemnly to her mother, and Vanisha stood up, leaning briefly into her mother for a hug. “Thank you, mother.”

“I love you, Isha.” She whispered as they parted, and Vanisha had to swallow back more tears. “I love you too. I need some punch. Would you like me to get you some?”

“Oh, I could have No’va get us some.” Her mother said, looking for her brother to have him fetch them drinks. Vanisha paused, disappointed, but unsure how to gainsay her mother.

Mine and I would enjoy getting you some drink. We don't need another to do so for us. Sabellath interceded on her behalf, though Vanisha didn’t think her green considered it that way. She was just stating the truth, as it were. Relwisha looked at the small green again, utterly confounded by her old soul, just as Vanisha was. “Well, then I would much appreciate it, getting a drink for me.” Relwisha murmured, the correction plain in her voice. Her mother couldn’t help it, it was what mother’s do, correct their children. And, Vanisha supposed, Sabellath was her child now, by her connection to her.

“Alright then.” Vanisha said, “We'll be back.” And she walked towards the punch table.

(Vanisha will run into Hazel in this time, so she's not quite open for RPing yet)

[Zen]

Nalyra, Y'va :: Green Daphnerith

She hadn’t attended the hatching. She might have, for Yva’s sake, and even Tomilyn’s, since apparently she was a candidate now, but it was too much of a pain to fight the crowds and make her way up to the hatching cavern, so she didn’t bother. Some of the rest of the crew did, though, and she heard plenty about it from them. Her niece had impressed a green, Treyjen had informed her, and Gilikar told her that Tomilyn hadn’t impressed. She hadn’t really imagined the girl becoming a candidate when she’d taken her along to Mavros, but if that’s what she wanted then more power to her. Surely it was better than serving drunkards in a tavern in the middle of nowhere.

When talk of the hatching feast began floating around almost immediately after the hatching had ended, she pondered attending for the first time. Granted, they often missed hatchings, being away at sea when they happened, but when they were ashore for these sorts of celebrations at the Weyr, Nalyra avoided them. She knew it was quite likely she would cause trouble if she went, and causing trouble with the Weyr could affect the crew. Better to simply remove the possibility. Besides, she doubted she would enjoy herself if she went, especially if she had to behave. So it was no big loss to her in the end not to go.

This time, however… Yva had impressed. The girl talked too much but she was more intelligent than she seemed on the surface, and taking off and leaving her asshole father behind struck a chord with her. It was apparently becoming a trend in their family, and it amused her. She was mildly disappointed the girl had impressed. She could always use more women on her crew, though she didn’t think Yva had it in her to be a pirate. Not that they would be anymore. Thinking about it irked, but it was what the crew wanted. Not all of them, but most of them. She very much pondered taking off on her own with those who had liked their way of life, but if she did, they could never return.

”You should know, Nalyra, I only give second chances.”

She eyed the toe of her boot disdainfully as she leaned back in her chair, her feet resting up on the table in the middle of her quarters aboard the Bright Wing. Sharding Asirikai. She didn’t know how she could both admire and despise a man so much. She made a displeased noise, considering the fact that he was likely to attend the feast. Then she growled lowly as she swung her legs off the table and stood, digging through her things for the right outfit. She wasn’t afraid of him. Just because they were in the same room didn’t mean they needed to interact. She was sure he felt the same, so it wasn’t like either of them would go looking for the other. And if they never spoke, she wouldn’t need to worry about showing him any of that respect he’d won from her. Anyway, she didn’t have to stay long. She would congratulate her niece, perhaps find Tomilyn and see what plans she had now that she hadn’t impressed, and possibly find a handsome rider to leave with for some fun back in his weyr.

The dress she chose was a black satin, shimmery, and something she’d taken some liberties of her own with when she’d bought it. Her mother had been sure to teach her how to sew, after all, it just wasn’t a skill she generally used unless it was for mending sails. What she had done to the dress made it beyond revealing, between the crossed halter top that just barely contained her breasts and the thigh high slits that revealed the length of each leg. She wore knee high boots, and slid two knives into sheathes belted to her lower legs and concealed by her boots for good measure. She did not mean to slink into the feast like some kicked canine, whether he was there or not. She would go, she would be seen, and she would leave when it very well suited her.

Satisfied, she headed for the Weyr, and wasn’t at all disappointed by the stares she got as she strode into the dining cavern. A quick glance and she made note of several things. The sight of A’zael and his precious goldrider had her rolling her eyes and thinking of all the ways she could ruin their evening. She would have to content herself with her imagination, however, and she did not dwell on the two of them for long. Her gaze shifted over several young dragons that were attending, picking out which nearby human now belonged to each beast, until her gaze came to rest on the gold-green hatchling everyone was talking about. She smirked at the sight of such a strange creature. What chaos she had sown simply by existing. She almost wished she’d been at the hatching just to see how the crowd reacted to her. How many hidebound fools had been horrified and offended?

That her niece happened to be standing very near the creature worked out just fine, and she sauntered toward the group of girls, “Yva!”

Her niece turned, grinning at first, and then she looked surprised. Nalyra had almost forgotten what she was wearing. “Wow… you look… that’s… I mean… I don’t know if I could ever pull off something like that!”

Nalyra smirked, raising a brow slightly, “Sure you could. You have the body for it. You just have to be confident enough.” Then she waved her hand, glancing over Siorreya and Ceela briefly, making note of the lack of a dragon at Siorreya’s side, before turning her attention back to Yva, “Congratulations on your impression. I hope it turns out to be everything you wanted it to be.”

“Oh, she is! This is Daphnerith! She’s perfect,” Y’va insisted, looking down at the green and grinning. The green rustled her wings, fanning them out slightly, and Y’va giggled, “Aren’t her wings just beautiful? Oh! These are my friends, Sio, she’s a rider already, and Ceela, and this is her dragon Steleneth. This is my aunt Nalyra.”

“So nice to meet you,” Nalyra replied, sounding genuine enough, though she was more interested in the gold-green’s rider than the other one. She offered Ceela a smile, “I look forward to seeing just what your lovely little Steleneth is capable of.” She turned back to Yva, not at all feeling like dwelling and making small talk with these other girls, “Well, I’ll let you get back to your friends. Try to cause a little trouble for me, will you?” Y’va giggled, nodding, and Nalyra winked at her before sauntering away again. Now to find Tomilyn.

As her aunt walked away, Y’va turned back to Ceela and Sio, “Isn’t she awesome? Wait, what were we talking about…? Oh yeah, an after party! That sounds great. Poor Ama, I’d be upset if I was being left out too. And-” she was distracted again as she caught sight of Kekoa - K’oa, she corrected herself, and his pretty blue. She giggled as the two of them made quite an entrance and then raised her hand to wave them over, “K’oa and Percotath the devastating, over here!” She broke into another fit of laughter then, barely even able to make it through saying it.

When will we dance? I want to try! Daphnerith insisted, Percotath, you should dance with us.

“Hmmm to dance first or eat first…,” Y’va wondered aloud, glancing at her friends to see what they had to say about it. She was looking forward to watching their dragons try to dance. It ought to be quite comical. Though then she thought about how Daphnerith hadn’t liked it when she thought she was laughing at her before… would she get upset if she started laughing at her for dancing?

tovaana kevna

[tovaana]

Ceela :: [smear:#e4a603]Goldeen Steleneth[/smear:#9dcf8b:0]

She tried to ignore the looks thrown their way. Ceela liked attention, but not all the looks seemed happy. She did her best to focus on Siorreya and Y’va, grinning and giggling at Ama’s insistence that they should have an after-party.

Someone called her friend’s name and her eyes widened a little, eyebrows raising in momentary surprise at the woman’s garb. She decided it was interesting, amusing, but decided with the attention she was already getting – that it was something she didn’t want to try and pull off. Ceela smiled back at Nalyra, her cheeks sore from the whole day that had been packed full of positive emotions. Though, she wasn’t sure what to say in return, thanks? Okay? “I’m sure she’ll surprise all of us.” She offered, glancing with an adoring look down at her beauty.

She felt better after Nalyra was gone, there had been something ‘off’ about it, and she realized it was because the woman had singled Ceela out, and not for reasons that she was used to. She glanced down at her Steleneth who was starting was prancing who was distracted by those nearby, strutting around to show herself off – clearly enjoying the attention more than Ceela was.

Ceela hugged herself, but it was the only ‘show’ that she felt off, smiling as the conversation turned to more familiar and comfortable subjects. Fun. Steleneth was like a magnet when it came to the subject and came back, her whirling blue gaze looking up at those speaking. She seemed like she wanted to say something, but she was distracted by Percotath’s entrance. Ceela could feel her dragon’s amusement and looked up at Ceela. [smear:#e4a603]I want to introduce myself like that next time! Look at the way others are looking at him and smiling![/smear:#9dcf8b:0] Ceela giggled, it was hard not to giggle at the striped blue’s charm that matched K’oa’s. Ceela helped Y’va motion for K’oa to join them.

Steleneth looked at Y’va – [smear:#e4a603]Daphnerith says she wants to dance! Let’s dance, will you teach me Ceela?[/smear:#9dcf8b:0] The dragon leapt toward her green dappled sister and nudged her in the direction of dancing, and darted off to the open space meant for dancing, it was mostly empty, as most people seemed more interested in food and conversation at first. “So, dancing?” Ceela asked her friends with helpless shrug. All the while she was forcing herself to ignore the looks that people were giving Steleneth. “I feel like Percotath is going to be a natural dancer.” Ceela giggled. “Think we can manage to teach them the waltz?” A mouth covered her mouth for a moment as she stifled a giggle at the thought of all their dragons waltzing in a line.

Zen kevna

Muze :: Green Rylath

She imagined Kekoa would have his hands full with a new dragon on his hands. She wasn’t sure when he would want his instrument back, but she knew sooner rather than later… she supposed the feast would be a good time to find him, not even contemplating if he wouldn’t be there.

I like when you match me. Her green watched as Muze got ready, her fingers slightly trembling as she put on a simple necklace and fussed with her hair. Her brown eyes glanced back at her green, feeling her green’s pleasure calm her a little. It wasn’t often that her green mentioned what she liked, as most of her existence seemed to revolve around making her rider happy (unaware that her green had been craftily distracting her rider from her nervous thoughts). “I like it too.” The speckled green dress fit her just right, only slightly hugging her curves, which weren’t very pronounced. It wasn’t often that she wore clothing that revealed the whole of her arms- which she noticed how the muscle was a bit more pronounced – in fact, her features all seemed to be a bit sharper. Huh. She glanced at the powders she had bought on a whim, but decided against them. The dress made her feel uncomfortable as it was… she fingered the powders, biting a lip thoughtfully and then closed them with a shake of her head. Perhaps later she would regret taking the chance to use them, since there weren’t many opportunities to dress up… later, but not now.

She gave Rylath’s face a hug, her dragon’s head pushing back gently with love radiating through the bond. It was just what she had needed. With a flare of confidence, she grabbed the neck of K’oa’s instrument and then headed to the feast. The confidence seemed to seep away through the soles of her feet with every step, especially as she entered the dining cavern and looked around for him. It felt uncomfortable holding an instrument that she didn’t know how to use, the sooner she could be rid of it, the better.

Muze didn’t have to wait long. The blue’s voice in her mind had to looking to the entrance. A corner of her mouth quirked in a side smile. It seemed like Kekoa had attracted a dragon with a similar personality. She started to weave her way toward him, but felt uncomfortable when he joined his friends… not that she hadn’t spent time with the trio of girls and Kekoa before… but the idea of giving the instrument to Kekoa in front of them felt… She paused a little ways away from them, standing there a bit awkwardly, unwilling to join them. When K’oa’s gaze seemed to drift she waved a little, lifting the instrument for him to see. Please, come get it. She pleaded internally. Please, don’t make me go over there.

kevna

[kevna]

K’oa – Blue Percotath

Y’va and Ceela waved to him energetically and he gave them a cheery smile and wave, though his gaze continued to seek for Muze. She had to be here, at least to congratulate him, right? Percotath automatically made his way to them, flapping his wings along his path to make sure everyone got at least one good look at them, before moving farther into the crowd and energetically joining his sisters. Dancing? I will be a natural born dancer, how hard can it be? I will follow your instructions Steleneth’s mine. Would it look something like this? And Percotath executed a little manuever, hopping around gracefully and his neck swiveling. It was both elegantly executed, while looking a little ridiculous. I am going to love dancing, I can tell already. 

K’oa wandered slowly after his dragon, “Hi ladies, don’t you three look ravishing?” He said moving to put his arms around both Y'va and Ceela, giving Siorreya a wink, though it was very brief as he finally caught sight of his intended target. “I’ll be back, try not to get him dirty will you? He’ll make me wash him again.” He said softly and with obvious dismay at the prospect of more chores this night, and before bed too. There is no such thing as too clean, especially before bed. Percotath informed him, well them, he supposed, and K'oa winced dramatically. Then he moved off to join Muze, grabbing the neck of the gitar she held out to him, while attempting to sweep her into a full hug before she could think about it too much. “Just the lady I was looking for. And a gift for me. Thanks for keeping it safe, Muze.” He said softly, taking one step back to give her the space she usually enjoyed so much. A habit, surely. One he would break her of if he could.

“And here I was worried you wouldn’t be here yet. You look absolutely stunning. Surely you would honor me with the first dance this night? Unless we need feed your hunger first.” He swung the gitar onto his back, strapping it there as he usually did. He would set it down later, after he had felt it’s familiarity at his back for a little longer. He gestured towards the tables set up with the feast, attempting to herd the freckled woman towards the food.

Siorreya - Green Amagetith

How much longer? 

We just got here, will you please wait? Siorreya let herself be distracted by the entrance of a sensational, if also a bit scantily clad woman to their little trio. So this was Y'va's aunt! She had spoken of the woman a couple times, and always with such admiration. No wonder. She looked a little enviously at the outfit. She could probably buy quite a few outfits like that with the marks she had won, and she smiled, wondering what Pod-her smile died, and the little crinkle between her eyes formed as frustration formed. Sio waved her fingers briefly at the woman, nodding, offering a simple and not so genuine, "And nice to meet you." When it segued to it. She didn't like being so blatantly dismissed, and Nalyra obviously had no interest in her. 

It rankled, and for some reason it reminded her of Vanisha and the way Podrell had hovered over her so protectively. The blinked, annoyed at the turn of thought, though she couldn't help but cast her gaze over the crowd, wondering if Podrell would show. He could be on the next boat out for all she knew, and her stomach flipped at the thought. He had won her a bucketload of marks by not impressing, and while she had felt a certain smugness of him not impressing, she also had another nagging feeling in her stomach. She barely noted when Nalyra left, and only because Y'va's adoring question about her aunt being so awesome. Siorreya smiled again, nodding-grateful she didn't end up having to say anything as K'oa and his striped blue made their theatrical introduction. 

Fully distracted now, and giggling along with Yva and Ceela over the vanity so proudly displayed, she watched the duo make their way toward them. "What a perfect pair they make. The ladies stand no chance." She said quietly enough for just the too ladies near her to hear. Sio rolled her eyes as K'oa openly admired them, offering a wink to her. She blinked when he suddenly excused himself though, a confused smile overtaking her features as he moved off to meet with Muze. "Huh, well that's interesting." Sio said with an amused smile. She wondered if he remembered that he couldn't sleep with Muze right now, or if he was in complete denial. Poor boy. Poor Y'va and Ceela too. All the rules they would have to follow. She did not miss weyrlinghood at all. 

Zen tovaana

Asirikai – Lord Holder of Mavros

He should have asked Pollifa to join him. Rellira could’ve watched the little ones for an hour or so, and he wouldn’t have had to show up alone. The bronze spitter on his shoulders tightened it's hold around his neck, and made an unhappy noise, showing an image of himself sitting atop the Lord Holder's shoulders. He looked at his handsome bronze, noticing the yellow whirling eyes, and reached up, petting it softly, working to relax. The last thing he needed was his bronze to make a spectacle. Shards. But he hadn’t expected to be alone, with the exception of Honor, he added mentally and a little acerbically. He had fully expected to have Vanisha on his arm, showing her off as his intended. Pollifa would have been a balm for this trying public event. He had been ecstatic when she had sent him news of her arrival, visiting her as soon as he had had time to do so. Rellira had been an added delight. She was his favorite to shower with gifts, and she had the most promising of futures, with her intentions in the right place. Pollifa could have done better in position through marriage, but he could admit she had done well in the man at least, and he had more solid connections in the fishing community now.

Rellira would have complained about not coming though, and his temperament was short as it was. He moved through the room, noting the green/gold dragon with her new rider, standing next to Sio and another newly made greenrider. His gaze didn’t linger on Siorreya, or the other girls, though it did another double take for a closer view of the duo colored dragon. The gold green was strange, an oddity that would further mark Mavros, and he could only hope it wouldn’t be for ill.

He considered congratulating the double colored dragon’s rider, but that would put him in proximity with the flighty Siorreya, and he didn’t have any desire to dabble there this night. He caught sight of Vanisha and her parents, and his anger flared again. His bronze spitter, raised himself up, hissing, looking for the threat with red whirling eyes. Asirikai took another breath, and hushed the creature, trying to be soothing. This bronze could be problematic if he weren't very careful. He considered sending him away, but hesitated. Honor was exceptionally beautiful, and a bronze, which leant him more power in some eyes. For now, with his temper where it was, he didn’t dare move toward Vanisha, he didn’t trust himself just yet. He would wait till the evening was closer to an end before offering her any congratulations. Instead he moved towards the other end of the dancefloor, offering short remarks with any who stopped him, about the hatching.

He took note when Nalyra entered, his jaw clenching angrily as he averted his gaze from her. The spitter started to react, but he soothed him before he could make a scene. Of course, she would show up wearing something like that, because Faranth forbid she act anything other then out. Anger so easily led to lust when it came to her, so he didn’t let his gaze linger on her, as much as his body wished it to. He didn’t want Nalyra, he wanted Vanisha. He wanted her softness, her meekness, her desire to please and submit. This night would be long and arduous, and he set himself for the wait till he could for once be alone on this grim day.

[tovaana]

Cionessan;

He’d been leaning on the wall of a hallway, humming, one leg propped up, waiting for his sister. There were two pieces of parchment in one hand rolled up – each with a rough outline for the music to go with his songs. Hopefully the harpers playing instruments were competent enough to go with his notes and make a full sound with the layering that would be required. It was the only reason he’d kept it relatively simple, because he hadn’t had time to write parts for every instrument. He gave Lo’sa a smile when she came around a corner; glancing at her new lifemate, then silently fell into step with her to the dining cavern. He went over the words in his mind of the two songs he had thrown together, one in celebration for the hatching, the other to embarrass Lo’sa.

He caught his sister’s look and smiled. “You spend too much time not at parties. Though I guess I’m one to talk.” He muttered the last part with a bitter smile, offered his arm to Lo’sa before heading toward the direction of the food. “I’m thinking we get a bite of food first. I’d like to embarrass you with my music when there are a few more people to sing it to.” He gave her a sideways sly smile, tease more in his eyes than in his words.

“What do you think Perialith? Food, then music?” His eyes lingered on his sister, but trailed down to the brown.

Taxx w/lo'sa - Cion and Lo'sa are open for interaction!

Muze :: Green Rylath

She let out a forced breath when Kekoa caught sight of her. Her breath hitched as he left the other three and came toward her. She tipped forward on the balls of her feet, bouncing a couple times impatiently. Muze let out another breath when he took the instrument and used it to pull her into a hug. But before she could think about it, the hug was over and she was a little breathless from being surrounded by his scent – and maybe the smell of dragon oils.

“Uh, yeah… sure. No problem.” It was like a weight off her shoulders, but then why did she feel disappointed? It was stupid. She felt her cheeks flush at his compliment. Stupid, so stupid. He’d just been over hanging on Ceela and Y’va… but he had left them when he’d seen her. But, it’d been for the instrument surely… and yet, he wanted to dance…

“Dance? Oh, no… uh, I’ve seen you dance. I’m not that good.” She could tell he was guiding her and she gave him a narrowed look. If she didn’t feel so warm and uncomfortable in her own skin, she’d say something. “Fine, food does sound fine…Oh…Do you have an elided name now? What’s your blue’s name?” She glanced over at the blue strutting around on the dance floor and she smiled despite herself. “Congrats, by the way… he seems…” She glanced at him, more boldly than she felt. “Like you?”

kevna w/k'oa

Tomilyn;

She scuffed her shoe on the floor, staring at the table… preparations went on all around her, but she was in her head. She should go talk to Ikki, that would make her feel better. He’d said that there was a part of her that needed a dragon. It had sounded like a lot better option than ‘needing’ a man, like some women prattled on about. A dragon sounded a lot better. What had Ikki’s rider said? Something about… that it hadn’t been guaranteed? But did that mean there would be that empty part of her forever? Or maybe…

She looked up, she’d been lost in her thoughts as people had trickled in. She caught sight of Nalyra who strutted around… no not strutting. It was… she was like liquid, she was confident. She was… she filled all the space within herself, Tomilyn could tell that Nalyra didn’t believe there was anything empty about herself.

Tomilyn moved, but winced, remembering why she had been sitting so awkwardly straight. The stitches on her back had pulled, but they didn’t hurt much otherwise, despite the fading numbweed. “Oi, Nalyra!” She raised a hand awkwardly, avoiding moving her arm in a way that would pull at her stitches. “Nice dress.” She commented, looking down at herself with a scrunched up nose. She wore her one faded green dress - it looked good with her ruddy curls at least. “Bet if I worked for you I could get a dress like yours, eh?”

Zen w/nalyra

[Loony]

The little green was a mess after eating till her stomach bulged. Blood and bits of meat speckled her hide in a sticky mess. It's almost like having a great big toddler to look after, Krista chuckled to herself while fighting not to be sick. Resolutely she picked up a cloth and scrubbed at her newly beloved's hide. With each wipe, admiring the shift in colors from the lightest of green to the darkest. Who knew a dragon could be so beautifully colored?

Well, her dragon wasn't the only one with an interesting hide. What about that Gold dragon who was also green? How was such a thing even possible? Krista took up a fresh cloth then began oiling Acteuth's wings. Certainly her father would have a problem with it. He was so stubbornly hidebound about Tradition and was likely to have some snarky comments about it. Krista sighed. Well she was not about to be like him. So what if the new queen was also green? There was not a thing anyone could do about it.

Are you done yet? I want to go play!

"Almost", Krista laughed. It really was like taking care of a toddler, even fresh hatched as the green was. With a final swipe on the split tail she declared, "All done!"

Finally! Acteuth flapped her wings them settled them to her back. That took forever.

"It took 10 minutes, if that", Krista laughed. She stared at her dragon then. Acteuth was smaller than the other hatchlings but that didn't bother her. They can be small together! She paused in thought then. Together? Her dragon? It struck Krista again just how lucky she was. Of all the other Candidate on the sands, Acteuth had chosen her. Tears began to fill her eyes.

Acteuth reared up in alarm, eyes streaked with red through blue. Sad? No Sad. I'm here!

"No, no no my love. I'm happy, I really am," she tried to stifle her sob with the edge of her robe.

Happy? Not sad? Then why cry? The green trilled in worry but settled back down, eyes fading to swirling yellow.

"Sometimes," Krista mopped at he eyes with the already dirty robe. "When a person is really, really happy they cry."

That's weird, the hatchling declared then nuzzled against her lifemate, licking her face with a rough tongue.

"Yeah, I guess it is." Krista took a steadying breath, wiped her face again, then rose resolutely. "Well now that you're clean, I need a fresh change of clothes before anyone sees me." Her once white robe was now positively ruined by the greens first meal and her own messy tears.

Once in the barracks, Actueth curled up for a quick nap while her beloved quickly bathed and changed. Krista already knew what dress she would wear. It was a lovely dark forest green with little white daisy flowers running along the top of the bodice. She had hand stitched these in anticipation of the Hatching where at one point she thought to be a spectator of the wonderous event. With deft hands she put on her slippers which also had the same pattern of flowers. Finally dressed, she took a brush to straighten her still damp blonde hair. Finally ready, she woke a sleepy Actueth and walked to the feast.

The celebrations were still getting started by the time the pair walked in. The smell of roasted wherry and fresh baked bread filled the air. Music began to drift their way which had a springy joyous tune that delighted the interested green. There were so many people around Krista didn't know where to go first.

[Zen]

Azora

She had watched her father and Srunae meet with some man before heading to the high table, mostly to make sure neither of them were going to follow after her. They seemed content to let her be, and that was just fine with her. With a grin, Azora wove around the growing press of bodies gathering in the dining hall easily enough, darting around legs as she sought flashes of color that were more than just gather finery. Where were the hatchlings? Surely some of them had to be here by now. She spotted one of the bronzes as he entered with his new rider and wrinkled her nose. What would she ever want with a bronze? Except Fath, she supposed. He was okay. For a bronze.

One of the girls that had impressed brown entered too, and she made a displeased sound as she looked around. Surely there was a green somewhere. The fact that girls could impress browns was no cause for celebration in Azora’s mind. She didn’t want some boring brown. She would be beyond cross if a brown chose her once she became a candidate. She might relent to a blue, but nothing would ever be better than a quick little green. Finally, she caught sight of green hide, only… she paused, considering. Two young women were caught up in a conversation near the green and her father’s warning about not approaching the hatchlings without asking occurred to her. She could interrupt them, but her mother’s gentle scolding about manners sounded in her mind and subdued her slightly. Her hands fisted in her dress as she blinked away the stupid tears that suddenly blurred her vision and decided that for her mother’s sake, she wouldn’t be rude.

She whirled around, turning her back to Sabellath to seek a different green for now. Maybe she’d be able to meet Sabellath later. There were other greens in the clutch. Hopefully some of them were at the feast. She let out a little gasp as she spotted one entering the feast with her new rider and hurried over before the pair could become occupied with anyone else, rendering it rude of her to try to insert herself. She hopped to a stop before Krista and her little green, grinning up at the young woman, “Hi! I’m Azora.” She then glanced down at the green to be sure to include the little dragon in the conversation as well, “You’re very pretty. Greens are my favorite. What’s your name? Oh….” She looked up at Krista again, remembering her father’s warning a little too late in her excitement, “I mean… is it okay if I talk to her?”

Loony (Azora is 7 by the way xD)



Y’va :: Green Daphnerith

Yes, yes, dancing! Daphnerith agreed with Steleneth, bounding along beside her sister toward the dance floor.

Y’va laughed at Ceela’s rather helpless agreement, “Dancing it is!” She grabbed for Sio’s hand to pull her toward the hatchlings as Percotath joined his sisters, giggling as he performed some sort of draconic dancing maneuver, “Oh yes, Percotath, just like that. You’re a natural.”

Daphnerith, not to be outdone, spread her wings to better help her balance as she raised onto her hind legs to perform a spin, only to lose her footing. But she rolled with it, hopping onto her forelegs as she fell to give a spirited back kick as if she had meant to fall all along. What about me? That was impressive, wasn’t it? Yes, I think I am very good at dancing.

Y’va laughed and clapped, pleased with her green’s confidence, “You’re wonderful. That was definitely impressive. What do we need a waltz for when we can make up our own dance? A dragon dance!”

When K’oa put an arm around her and Ceela she nearly leaned up to kiss his cheek, just feeling too happy that they’d really all impressed, before she wondered if even that would somehow affect her dragon negatively. A kiss wasn’t sex though, it wasn’t even a kiss kiss, just a friendly peck on the cheek… would it be okay? But the moment had passed, and he was excusing himself and heading toward Muze, so she supposed it didn’t matter… for now at least. Shells. She should probably just avoid it if she could. She didn’t want to risk it, it wouldn’t be worth it at all if something did end up happening.

She shook her head, looking at Steleneth and trying to distract herself, “Do you have any impressive moves, Steleneth? Maybe being good at dancing runs in your family.” She giggled, and nearly lost control of her laughter as she suddenly imagined Sularenth performing silly draconic dance moves. She would pay to see that. “Oh, shells… can you imagine? Sularenth? Dancing?” She burst into another fit of giggles, covering her mouth with both hands as she tried to contain herself, but the image of it wouldn’t leave her alone.

tovaana kevna



Treyjen, Nalyra

Treyjen had been rather disappointed that Treyvin and his new brown had left the hatching before he’d had a chance to speak to the boy. Or rather, T’rey, as it was now, according to Y’va. Of course it had to be T’rey. Why couldn’t his mother have named him something else? Or he could have picked a different way to elide his name. T’vin came to mind. That would have been much better. He sighed as he made for the hatching feast, wearing his usual black and silver finery for such occasions. He would have liked to bring Pearl along to show her off but the beast was bad tempered at the best of times and only liable to cause problems if he didn’t pay constant attention to her to prevent it, making showing her off at any crowded event rather difficult.

He was curious what his gifted eggs had hatched out in the end, though it was hard to say if he’d find out at the hatching feast. Y’va had called her blue for him to see back in the hatching cavern, but he didn’t know what T’rey had gotten, or the Weyrwoman, or Asirikai. He was fairly confident Asirikai’s was a bronze, being that it had been the largest egg in the clutch, but he hadn’t wanted to seem to be promising the Lord Holder a higher color when it could very well just be a big brown. Faranth forbid it had hatched anything less, the touchy young Lord might just take it as an insult.

Yelanna accompanied him, though she’d likely part from him shortly after they arrived, other than to demand a dance or two from him at some point in the evening. “You’ll have to introduce me to these sons of yours at some point, Treyjen. I’d like to meet them.”

“Is that a not so subtle hint?” he eyed her briefly, unsure about introducing her to either of them just yet. He was only just building his own relationship with them both, and for Treyvin, T’rey rather - he might have sighed about the choice in name again - he rather thought it would be further complicated by the fact that the boy was actually raised by his mother. Who knew how he might take seeing him with another woman. Even if Vineya had married another man, he knew very well how it could end up looking to the boy. And well, it wasn’t as though how it looked was far from the truth. He had liked Vineya, he remembered that, but they hadn’t really known each other and in the end… she hadn’t meant that much to him. Maybe she would have come to mean something had he ever seen her again, as a friend at least, but he hadn’t. He really hadn’t given her much thought after he’d left, and in the next port he was sure he’d found a new woman to spend time with, though he couldn’t recall who she might have been, or even if there had only been one. He likely only had memories of Vineya because of the unique circumstance of their meeting and the way she had taken up so much of his free time while they remained in Southern.

She shook her head with a soft smile, “No, I don’t mean tonight, unless you want to. I just wanted you to know I’d like to meet them.”

“Well your wish is noted, though I don’t believe it will be tonight, and I couldn’t tell you when it might be otherwise,” he admitted, because he really didn’t even know how to broach it. How was he meant to introduce her to his sons? He could just tell them she was a member of his crew and a good friend, it wouldn’t be a lie, but it also didn’t quite feel like the whole truth, not that they needed to know everything. But he cared about her and trusted her like he trusted few other people in his life, and it seemed important that when he introduced her, he make that known somehow… and yet there wasn’t really a right word for it. His relationship with Yelanna was… complex. She was rather unique in that regard, as he tended to cut ties with women when relationships started getting too complicated. He’d learned that from L’rey’s mother. Having a woman try to use their shared child to trap him in a marriage he’d been very clear he did not want wasn’t something he ever wanted to repeat. He sighed, promising only, “Eventually.”

Yelanna patted his arm, “I can be patient.” As the two of them stepped into the dining cavern, she came to a sudden stop, however, a look of surprise passing over her features, “Nalyra is here?”

“What?” Treyjen’s gaze instantly snapped to follow Yelanna’s, and sure enough, there she was.

“Treyjen-”

Yelanna’s hand was still on his arm but he tugged away from her, moving to intercept his sister as she crossed the room, grabbing her by the arm so she couldn’t walk away from him, “What are you doing here?” And of course she had to dress in such a manner to draw as much attention to herself as possible.

Nalyra tilted her head slightly up at him, a small smirk on her lips, “Why, enjoying the feast, what else?”

His eyes narrowed, “Why are you really here?”

Her free hand lifted to her chest as she feigned a look of hurt, “My dear big brother, your lack of trust wounds me.”

“Nalyra-”

She laughed, “Can’t I congratulate my favorite niece on her impression? Such a pretty little green.” Her bright amber gaze shifted back toward where Y’va and her friends were chatting, and Treyjen’s gaze followed. His grip on her arm loosened marginally, and she tugged herself free. “Now if you don’t mind, I’m trying to find a friend.”

His eyes snapped back to her, “What sort of friend?”

Nalyra laughed again, “Do I frighten you so much?”

“Nalyra, we can’t afford-”

“Oh, for Faranth’s sake,” she rolled her eyes, “You don’t think I know. Don’t worry Treyjen, I’ll be a good little girl while I’m here.”

Treyjen’s eyes narrowed again, “You could have worn something that would draw less attention.”

She grinned, “Where would the fun be in that?”

He rubbed one hand over his face in exasperation, “If you’re going to stay, stay away from A’zael,” he warned her, “And Asirikai.”

Her eyes went hard as they narrowed up at him, a large part of her wanting very much to go find them both just because he’d told her not to, but Asirikai… well, he had already won her game, so he was off limits. A’zael…. Her gaze flitted to the high table where the former Weyrleader sat with Srunae and some man she didn’t know. She stepped in close to her brother then, looking up at him and growling, “You’re lucky I already resolved to stay away from them on my own. You should know better than to order me around, Treyjen. I’m not a little girl you need to keep a constant watch over. I know better than to cause a scene here, and the fact that you think I don’t is insulting.” She spun around then, intent on leaving him behind because he was utterly infuriating and if he tried to order her around some more she didn’t honestly know if she would be able to resist causing some sort of scene just to spite him… and that would only prove his concerns right.

He let her go, feeling a strange mixture of shame and indignation. After what she’d done to Asirikai - whatever exactly had happened - she hadn’t really given him much reason to trust her, and yet… expecting the worst from her at every turn felt all too familiar, but from the wrong side. Their father had always expected the worst from him, too. He looked down at the touch on his arm to see Yelanna had come up beside him.

“I’ll stay with her,” she told him softly before following after his sister.

He sighed. At least Yelanna might have a better chance of talking her down than he would, should something happen…. He shook his head, trying to release the worry that stubbornly clung to him. Part of him felt it would be irresponsible not to anticipate something going wrong with her here, and the other part wanted desperately to trust her because he didn’t want to treat her like their father had treated him… like she was guilty before she’d even done anything. With a low growl of frustration, he moved off to fetch himself a glass of wine.

“Oi, Nalyra!”

Nalyra caught sight of the wave, recognizing Tomilyn’s rather unique voice as she called to her, and headed over, releasing a soft laugh at the compliment on her dress, “Well I’m glad someone appreciates it.” She was certain there were plenty of people who appreciated it in truth, most of them men, but she was still irked about Treyjen telling her she could have worn something that stood out less. She tilted her head slightly at Tomilyn’s comment about working for her, “If the prospect still interests you, you’re welcome to rejoin the crew. Are you through with candidacy already? I heard you got hurt.” Then she leaned in a little with another laugh, “Gillikar sounded worried for you when he told me. I think he took a liking to you while you were aboard.” The man wasn’t terrible to look at, though he was little more than average looking in Nalyra’s opinion, and simple too, which made him less attractive in her eyes. She was sure the young man had never had a complex thought in his dull little head, but he was hard working and loyal, intensely so, and she thought of him more as a little brother than anything.

Yelanna appeared at her side then, “Hello Tomilyn. How are your wounds?” Nalyra glanced at her suspiciously, sure Treyjen had sent her over to babysit her, but she didn’t particularly want to get into it with her in front of Tomilyn. “I’m glad to see you on your feet,” if Yelanna took any note of Nalyra’s look, she gave no indication.

tovaana

[kevna]

K'oa - Blue Percotath

“You, not that good? I don’t believe it.” He said with fervor, hand to chest. She was such a slip of a thing, he couldn’t imagine her being any less then elegant on the dance floor, especially with him leading her. “I bet you are as graceful on the dance floor as Rylath is in the air, plus you’d have me to lead you. Muze, I would never make you look any less perfect than you are.” The last he said very seriously, promise in his words. He didn’t doubt one jot that together they would look spectacular on the dance floor, and he couldn’t help but want to see her shimmery dress twirl. He would start off simply, making sure he won her trust, and then slowly work their way up to more difficult moves if he deemed her trusting.

They moved to the tables beset with food, and he offered her a plate before taking one for himself. “Ah, where are my manners? You can call me K’oa, though I admit, it will take some getting used to for me. Do you think it suits me?” He was still a little unsure, and he couldn't help but want assurances over his new elided name. Ceela, Sio, and Y'va would tease him if they were to guess this little insecurity. but one of the things about Muze was her simple, quiet honesty. Kekoa had been an almost musical name, like his mother’s name had been, did K'oa fit him? “And that beautiful beast over there,” He gestured to the blue, “Is Percototh.”

Muze’s congratulations had him smiling fondly again at the beast, who was making a spectacular spectacle of himself as he attempted dancing. He was more fluid then a normal dragonet would be. The thanks he was planning on giving after her sentence ended up being a laugh as he threw his head back, as the laugh erupted from the pits of his stomach. Muze’s boldness, the way she had looked at him. Shards, maybe he was succeeding better then he had thought. “Oh, how right you are,” K’oa said as he composed himself back into a broad smile, looking back at the blue. “I mean, he’s beautiful, and he knows it,” Here he winked at the small woman beside him, “dramatic, elegant, fun, and especially lovable. I’d love to introduce you, you are bound to love him.” All the innuendos, and he gave her his best mischievous grin. Muze had started it, opened herself up to it. He started piling his plate with little tidbits, looking away and giving her time to compose herself, adding no food too heavy, since he hoped to hit the dance floor next. He could feel Percotath's own amusement at the conversation. We do fit eachother well, don't we? Oh, stay away from that saucy meat, you might get it on your shirt, and then what would we do? Look at me! Don't I look good standing next to my sisters? Dancing is very fun, mine.

[avon]

D'nel of Bronze Nadornith

The Bronzerider had finally set his ledger aside for the night to enjoy the feast, as much as he ever enjoyed everything. Sometimes he thought it might actually be nice to quiet his mind and just have fun for a night...but that wasn't how he operated. So he would allow himself a few hours of good food, drink, and possibly some dancing and tomorrow he would be back to collecting on his debts. He swept towards the dining cavern dressed in his black suit, which was simple enough to hide the signs of wear that were beginning to show by this point. It had been far too long since he had been able to commission new clothes.

Still you persist in worrying about your human scraps. Your one distraction,Nadornith sighed, eyeing him as he walked out of his weyr. You wouldn't be seen without your hide freshly oiled, would you? He shot the Bronze a raised eyebrow and patted his snout as he passed. Hatching Feasts made him almost nostalgic, thinking of when Nadornith chose him. Not that he'd ever be that sentimental. But it was lucky that he'd been at that Hatching, and he remembered that after seeing the sloppy new weyrlings. That was all.

At least he had Strider. He settled the gemglider on his shoulder and decided that completed his look. He walked to the dining cavern and paused in the entrance, taking in the scene. It was crowded. More Holders than usual, and he found himself almost reflexively checking for anyone with Bitran knots. Not that they could do anything to him now, but he'd rather not dig up the past. It seemed safe so far, so he ventured into the crowd, sliding into friendly mode and greeting people with a smile. He saw Siorreya and ducked behind someone else to avoid talking to her. She'd get her marks tomorrow. Minus a hefty administrative fee.

"Join for a dice game, Bronzerider?" He bumped into V'rat, the Brownrider already a few cups in and holding another goblet, grinning at D'nel. They'd played together before more than a few times, and D'nel even used him for an errand now and again, but overall V'rat was too unreliable. "Maybe later," D'nel told him, thinking it would probably be an easy mark if they had a drunken game going on, but he wanted to mingle first.

He did pick up a goblet from a passing tray, taking a sip of the wine. Circulating past the leadership table, he smirked at how cute and cozy A'zael looked with Srunae and their kid. Not exactly putting fear and respect in the hearts of Holders at the moment. Speaking of being in their cups, though, there had to be a few drunk Holders around here. Maybe he'd pick a pocket or two for old times sake. That, plus the money from betting, might be enough for a new outfit in time for the next feast. He hovered on the edge of the crowd, considering it. Maybe a Holder lady who wanted to dance? There must be something here to keep him entertained.

[Taxx]

Lo'sa :: Brown Perialith

A shrug, but it was true. She'd never cared to go to Hatching feasts when she herself hadn't Impressed. But with that having changed, she was finding herself not entirely sure about what to expect. Food, for sure, and a bunch of new weyrlings getting congratulated on finding their dragons. Aside from that? "That's why you're here." He'd have a better idea, though he'd always kept her company on the days when she'd failed to Impress and left the celebrating to those who had.

Linking her arm through his, she followed the tug into the midst of the mess of people and dragons. Food sounded good. So did listening to Cion's music. His intent to sing a song about her- to embarrass her- and she flashed a glance at him. "I don't suppose asking you not to will do any good?"

I also don't think you should. Perialith stared up at Cion, but his rider didn't seem to be that upset- more resigned with a touch of acceptance. Food sounds good. I am not hungry, Cion, but my Lo'sa is and she should eat. And you should too, if you are hungry.

"As nice as this is, I assure you both I can look after myself."

We can help. You should let us help you however we can. You are Mine, but you are Ours too.

Kind of hard to argue with that. At least the two seemed to be getting along. Pulling her arm free, Lo'sa picked up a plate and offered it to Cion to help himself as she reached for another for herself.
tovaana


P'gen :: Blue Irisirith

P'gen didn't have much in the way of nice clothes. Acermia had put in a request for something befitting his new rank of weyrling, so he'd have something for special occasions, but it'd take a while. For now, he'd dressed in the least ragged thing he owned. Nothing flashy, but it'd do for tonight. Irisirith, at his side, was gleaming from the coat of oil. He looked less than impressed at the gathering, the noise and lights. He'd probably be happier in the barracks, and yet he hadn't wanted to be too far from P'gen. Oh, the choice had been hard. But he was here, even if he'd dragged his feet the whole way, and he stood with his shoulder pressed to his rider's leg as he stared around.

I hate it.

It's fun!

It's horrible.

Come on, Iri. P'gen headed for the crowd- for the food, because aside from breakfast, he hadn't had anything to eat. He'd been too busy caring for the blue, sleeping off the excitement from the event, and getting ready for the feast. He looked back, hesitating to see Irisirith staring at him without following, the blue's gaze mournful at P'gen's desertion. It's not so bad. Come on, you silly thing.

Yes it is. A token insistence, but the blue hurried forward regardless. He'd rather face this with P'gen than without him. He ducked under the table as P'gen filled a plate with whatever looked good- it was full far too quickly, but he could come back for seconds- and then trailed after his rider to a table closer to the wall. Here? It was darker under the table, and no one seemed to notice him. I suppose it will do.

You can always go back, you know. You don't have to stay here if you don't want to.

Back? Alone? But what if something happens to me? Or to you? This is awful- all of it is awful. No, if I must be miserable, I will be miserable here with you.

You'll be okay. Look, you stay here. I won't be too far, and if you need me you can call. I'll be here in a heartbeat. Okay? P'gen knelt to scratch under the blue's chin, earning himself a rumble of pleasure and a sigh of acceptance.

Fine. It's better here than over there, anyway. Do be careful, will you?

I'll be fine. Another pat and Irisirth settled down, watching P'gen head back to the crowd and disappear among them. He didn't move, and he wasn't relaxed- here was better, but only just. He'd deal with it for now, because His wanted to be here.

(P'gen and Iri are open to anyone)

[tovaana]

Ceela :: [smear:#e4a603]Goldeen Steleneth[/smear:#9dcf8b:0]

She grinned up at K’oa, her cheeks really did hurt from all the smiling. All her friends impressed. She impressed. It was a good day. She couldn’t even find it in her to roll her eyes at K’oa’s flirtations. She glanced at the blue as K’oa walked away, shaking her head a little at the blue’s strutting and gallantry.

Ceela briefly glanced back at K’oa at Sio’s comment and shook her head a little with a smile, “an impression isn’t going to change him that much.” Though, it would have to change some of his actions. But she wasn’t really interested in who K’oa was currently wooing, and she was easily distracted by the baby dragons moving around on the dance floor, getting attention from others who were attending. Some even joined in as close as they dared.

[smear:#e4a603]Of course I do![/smear:#9dcf8b:0] She responded to Y'va. She hadn’t waited for her siblings, and she felt annoyed that she hadn’t been noticed before her two other siblings. She did a little jump, flaring her golden wings with green dots on it, making sure the attention was on her for at least that moment. Ceela started laughing at Y’va’s words as she watched her dragon show off, shaking her head at the idea of Sula dancing. “I… I can’t.” She said a little breathlessly.

The dragon did a twirl and kept twirling, and Ceela’s stomach rolled as she felt the dizzying sensation of spinning in a circle. Ceela scrunched her nose, but the dragon thought it was quite thrilling – this new sensation. The dragon was laughing gleefully in Ceela’s mind as she fell in a heap in the middle of the dance floor.

[smear:#e4a603]I don’t know if that was dancing, but it sure was fun! Oh, and the world is spinning! You two should try it too![/smear:#9dcf8b:0] Steleneth insisted from her spot on the floor. Ceela had a hand to her head, shaking it a little with her ever-smile. “Oh, Stel, I think K’oa said to keep his charming blue clean.” She giggled a little. [smear:#e4a603]All the more to try![/smear:#9dcf8b:0] Steleneth said, indignant that one of her siblings should be kept from such fun.

Zen kevna

Tomilyn;

“I dunno, and I’ll be fine.” She admitted with a roll of her eyes when she asked if she was done with candidacy. The pain of her back paled in comparison to the pain in her heart. Tomilyn kept glancing at the clothes, wondering what it would be like to wear something like that – and not care what others thought. Because, clearly, Nalyra didn’t care, right? If she cared, she wouldn’t be wearing it.

Rejoining Nalyra was appealing. But she couldn’t help but think about Ikkimath and the idea that there was a place inside her for a dragon. She scoffed then, “Gillikar. Men.” She shook her head, pursing her lips as she looked back at Nalyra. “Ikkimath said I have a place inside me for a dragon. Not for a man.” She insisted. “Not a man.” She scrunched her pale features momentarily at the idea, even as her heart longed to be wanted and loved by a man. But men only wanted one thing, it seemed.

She sighed a little, drumming her fingers on the table as Yelanna appeared at the table. The red-head only caught Nalyra’s look because she’d been focused on the woman, and glanced at the other, wondering fleetingly what she had missed.

“Yelannaaaa.” She said with a smile, glancing around unsuccessfully for Treyjen (not that she had tried so hard) – as she assumed the woman would be with him. “A baby dragon’s not gonna keep me out of the game.” She smiled with a little scoff to her voice.

She glanced back at Nalyra with an exasperated sigh, “how do you do it, anyway? Your…” She motioned to all of Nalyra. “Confidence, I s’pose.” She leaned her chin on a propped up hand, grimacing as the motion stretched the stitches on her back. “Or… knowing what you want. Or something.”

Zen

Muze :: Green Rylath

“Hah!” She couldn’t help but scoff at his first denial of her dancing skills. She shook her head, until he spoke of his own skills at leading. He sounded so genuine when he spoke seriously, a sort of passion that felt like it went to down to the bones. He was only talking about making her look perfect in dance, but also calling her perfect – sort of. It sounded like he was calling her perfect and she had to look away, losing that edge or comfort that she’d found. She took the plate with a small smile, avoiding his gaze while she regained herself and making sure her cheeks didn’t feel like they were on fire.

His new name was a good distraction and she glanced over at him after putting some meat on her plate. “K’oa…” She tried it out loud. It was different… She’d thought about him too many times in her thoughts as Kekoa, but… “It rolls off the tongue nicely. I think it’s a great rider name.” Muze nodded, feeling more certain of it the more she spoke about it. Her brown eyes flitted over to the blue and she felt herself smile. Percotath. She got distracted by the blue’s little movements, then more distracted by the strange gold/green creature, listening to K’oa describe Percotath as she went numbly through the food line. She topped it all with a roll as she looked up at him, her eyes widening as she comprehended at the last part of his words- thinking too late what he had suggested, a delayed nervous laughter tumbling from her lips. “I can’t wait to meet him.” She managed in a tone that stumbled. Shards… She swallowed and used the end of the food line as an excuse to not look into his face. Uhg. Boys. They made her not want to care about what they thought, and want to care all at the same time. It made absolutely no sense.

She found the first open spot and sat down, but she couldn’t get herself to touch her food. “Was impression like you’d thought it’d be?” She asked, the thought made her relax a little, an easy smile coming to her lips when she had a thought. “I bet you’re already coming up with a song to suit what happened.” She accused, feeling her chest tighten a little as she spoke with him.

kevna

Cionessan;

“Is that why I’m here?” He asked, eyes widening and he made a gesture to his chest, as if the thought wounded him, but the momentary theatrics fell from him quickly and he eyed her.

“Well, as I’m here as only your escort, I think embarrassment might be in the escort’s duties.” He teased in a half serious tone. He glanced down at the brown, thoughtfully, a corner of his mouth quirked in a smile. “Don’t worry, less embarrassing, more honoring of her and her impression to you Perialith.”

He glanced between the brown and Lo’sa as they spoke about food and the dragon speaking in a way that made Cion eye the brown thoughtfully. Ours. He still didn’t like it, but he felt like he could like the brown a great deal. The brown fit his Nessa, even if he didn’t like it.

“Yes, well said Perialith. And as embarrassing you isn’t in my duties as escort apparently, feeding you definitely is.”

He accepted the plate, though he’d rather have gotten his own, but started filling it up with no objections with small portions and picking out only the best slices of food and avoiding anything that was less than perfect. There were more options at the feast though, and he surprised himself with a full plate – as normally Mav’s options left him with the desire to go hungry than eat their sad and pathetic meals.

Cionessan moved ahead of Lo’sa and found a seat that was near the dancing and music, as close as he could get. “There, now you have front row seating for my music.” He gave her a mischievous smile and started to pick at his food and chew thoroughly. While he ate, he’d glance around at his audience, taking in the excited and interested vibes at the feast. Perhaps his first song could also ease the nerves of those wary of the unknown – like the gold green creature that now graced Mavros. He wasn’t sure he liked the idea of the creature at all, but his goal was to elevate Mavros, and having them question their own dragon would not do at all.

Taxx